Let’s talk about the Pelicans: almost rebounding and making moves in abundance in recent times, the New Orleans franchise is beginning to see the light. A poor, small, very poor market, which nevertheless reaps the fruits of that June 16, 2019, when Anthony Davis left the ship to join the Lakers after a year of farce, months of controversy over the management of Magic Johnson, the departure of him and Dell Demps from the other side, and finally the arrival of a Rob Pelinka who offered the entire batch of promising youngsters to a team that he demanded and received them. The Lakers, with this movement, won the 2020 ring, a major prize that justifies all the subsequent excesses of a project that tries to get up from a ground to which it seemed to have been stuck. The Pelicans had it worse: David Griffin left his niche in Ohio and arrived with the band of savior. The new litter was perfect for rebuilding, whether it was on the track or through transfers. An arduous and laborious road began. One that, finally, glimpses its end.
That is, at least, what it seems. Also motivated by the selection of Zion Williamson at number 1 in the draft, everything seemed to change, but things took a long time to do so: the Duke star had a massive problem from the waist downHe permanently took refuge in his environment, that concept that has become so fashionable in the last decade of the NBA, he was short on words, when he spoke he filtered his discomfort with the city, he did not take care of his diet… In short, a disaster that spread has started fixing this season. Before, in 2020-21, he played his only complete game: 61 games (out of a possible 72), 27 points, just over 7 rebounds and All Star. It was clear: something was there. But the drift of the entity was very clear and Stan Van Gundy, once a good coach who has come down on a present day to which he could never (nor did he know) adapt, was leaving to make way for rookie Wille Green. And the transfer last February for the team to take over the services of CJ McCollum demonstrated a clear intention on the part of David Griffin: the objective was the playoffs, to compete, to take a step forward. And it would be done with or without Zion, who went blank last season and, before starting this season, had played 85 NBA games… out of a possible 226.
Zion’s chip has changed and now, also that of the Pelicans: after an irregular start (9-7), always positive but generating hope at the same time as doubts, in New Orleans they have awakened: 5 consecutive victories, 6 in the last 7 games. The last one, against the Pistons, had some difficulty more than expected and a short result (104-98), but an extraordinary Zion: 29 points. 10 rebounds, 5 assists and 11 of 16 shooting from the field. The star comes from scoring more than 25 points in the last 4 games, surpassing 20 in 5 consecutive. He dominates, he is comfortable with his teammates, he is physically well (he has played 19 games out of a possible 26) and he is in tune with those around him and, above all, with himself. Before the Pistons, He was accompanied by Trey Murphy (20+5+5), Jonas Valanciunas (14+12) and Naji Marshall (17+5). C.J. McCollumwho has recently passed the coronavirus, is limping (8 goals today, with 3 of 11 shots) and the rest accompanied what they could.
It was difficult to retain the Pistons, who started the game 0-7 and had just beaten the Heat in Miami. At halftime, the game seemed relatively controlled for the Pelicans (56-43), who got excessively complicated with their slump in the third quarter, which ended the game very lively (79-73). The visitors were 3 away with 2:49 (94-91) and 2:20 (97-94) to go, but the Pelicans managed to prevail. Without Brandon Ingram (injured with a toe and with an absence that has already extended to the last 5 games), they keep adding and are already first in the Western Conference, something incredible in such a small franchise. 16-8, everyone happy, the crowd delighted with a hero like José Alvarado (2 points today, but good in defense and +11 with him on court), Zion in top form, a good coach like Wille Green, a lot of turnover, long staff, all positions covered… If everyone stays healthy and Zion and Ingram manage to play together correctly (they both like to play with the ball in their hands, start the plays…), this team can give a lot to talk about. And Zion, touched by a wand, knows it.
